IF YOU CAN’T MAKE THE BEST CHOCOLATE SOUFFLÉ WITH THIS RECIPE –– BUY DOUGHNUTS

“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.”― Charles M. Schulz

A chocolate souffle is ethereal, elegant, and decadent. And I wanted to bake one.

It was 1960 and I was newly married. We invited a few close friends for a small dinner party at our little cottage. In those days, we didn’t have much furniture, so I planned to serve the meal on the only table we had which was a low round coffee table and have our guests sit on pillows around it.

I loved experimenting and trying new dishes. So for our friends, I decided to make Lobster Fra Diavolo and chocolate soufflé. Isn’t that what every twenty-year-old bride makes? You may ask, “Weren’t you crazy to attempt something so challenging?” Well, the truth was that I was pretty fearless when it came to cooking, because while growing up, I had spent a lot of time perched on the white tile countertop in our kitchen watching my mother cook and bake. She was constantly cooking (because “God forbid, you might starve like the children in China”).

The kitchen was painted white except for one corner which had a hand-painted scene of yellow roses climbing up a trellis all the way to the ceiling. It was light and bright and a nice place to keep my mother company while she cooked and baked. No dish fazed her. She wasn’t the least bit intimidated by any recipe, so why should I be? I watched her make everything from scratch ––– stuffed cabbage, spinach patties, sweet and sour meatballs, endless baked goods which included delicious strudel, sponge cake, coffee cake, and her secret recipe for cheesecake. Everything she made seemed effortless and always tasted delicious. By the time I was a teenager, I fancied myself quite the chef. I would slice a wedge of iceberg lettuce, slather it with my home made thousand island dressing, and then open a box for a Chef Boyarrdee spaghetti dinner. This was cooking in my book.

So for our special evening with friends, I was eager to try some culinary experiments. The idea for Lobster Fra Diavolo came from my husband who, prior to our marriage, had lived in and traveled all over Europe, Africa and the Middle East for four years. One of his favorite dishes was Lobster Fra Diovalo which he’d enjoyed many times in Rome at the Hostaria dell’Orso Restaurant, established in the 15th century and the oldest restaurant in the city. So, of course I was going to make him the best he’d ever tasted! And I did.

Next was the chocolate soufflé, the piece de resistance. I started whipping together the ingredients, gently placed the souffle´ in the oven and warned everyone not to move around too much because I was worried that any reverberation would make it fall. I couldn’t even sneak a peak into the oven because I was afraid some errant gust of air would make it collapse into a muddy puddle. So we all waited patiently for forty minutes. Finally, I opened the oven door and what did I see? I saw souffle dish but no puffy pillow of risen chocolate.

It was a sad soufflé. It just laid there in the bottom of the dish. Flat. Not risen. At best it looked like a large, shallow brownie. Julia Child once said, “Never apologize.” So I just sprinkled powdered sugar over the deflated brownie and served it. I called it my Chocolate Frisbee.

I didn’t try another souflle adventure until a new show, The French Chef, came to PBS starring my idol, Julia Child. I’d loved her first book, Mastering the Art of French Cooking. I still have it after all these years, quite food-stained and dog-eared.

One day, Julia made a chocolate soufflé on her show. I was stoked. I was glued to the screen and took pages of notes and realized where I had gone wrong:

1. I learned that you need a quarter teaspoon of cream of tartar in the egg whites. It imitates the change in chemistry that occurs when you beat eggs in a copper bowl. It makes the egg whites stable.

2. Don’t beat the egg whites till they’re too stiff and dry. They should be shiny and have soft peaks.

3. Use room temperature egg whites.

These three tips transformed my next soufflés into triumphs. Suddenly, I was The Soufflé Queen. It was always a wonder to see a risen soufflé directly from the oven, all kind of wobbly and tall in it’s chocolate majesty.

But creating the penultimate souffle really required combining elements and ideas from more than one chef.

Years later, I went on a cooking tour which started in New York City where we met a number of chefs and among them was Jacque Pepin. We were invited to his home in Milton, Connecticut. It’s a cheery place, and decorated in a French Country style. In his kitchen, next to the range top, he kept a memo pad where he noted every step and ingredient he used while cooking. I started making notes in my cookbooks after seeing how he did it. At the end of the day, he gave us his personal recipe for Chocolate Souffle. I gleaned a number of ideas from his recipe, combined them with those from Julia and Dori Greenspan to make the best, and my very favorite souffle recipe. If you can’t make it with this recipe –– buy doughnuts.

CHOCOLATE SOUFFLE´

This recipe is my adaptation of recipes by Jacques Pepin, Julia Child and Dori Greenspan.

6 large eggs separated and at room temperature2 egg whites separated and at room temperature6 ounces really good semi-sweet chocolate1/2 cup plus 2 Tablespoons of sugar1/3 cup milk at room temperature1/4 teaspoon of Cream of TartarSoftened butter for greasing the soufflé moldSugar for sprinkling the inside of the soufflé mold

I used an 8 cup souffle´mold which serves six to eight

You can use individual molds and lower the cooking time to about 20 minutes or less. Definitely place the individual molds on a cookie sheet.

First preheat the oven to 375. Smear the inside of the soufflé mold with a nice thick coating of butter. Then sprinkle the butter with a generous helping of sugar so that it sticks to the butter. Turn it upside down to remove any excess sugar. Place the mold in the refrigerator.

The eggs need to be at room temperature.

When you separate the eggs, pour the white into it’s own separate bowl. Then pour it into the large mixer bowl.

You do this because you don’t want to accidentally get any yolk into the egg white. If you do the whites will not rise properly. Place the yolks all together in a separate bowl.

Combine the chocolate and the 1/2 cup sugar in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. (imitating a double boiler) Stir the chocolate constantly. It will resemble rough grainy chocolate, just keep on stirring. When the chocolate is melted remove the bowl from the top of the simmering water and place on a counter. Now whisk in the milk. Use a whisk it’s much easier to stir and make the chocolate smooth. Now let it cool because we’re going to be putting egg yolks in the chocolate and we don’t want the hot chocolate to scramble the eggs. After about 5 minutes, add the egg yolks one at a time whisking until the yolk is completely absorbed.

Now place the 6 egg whites in the bowl of your mixer. ( I add 2 more egg whites because I like my soufflé´to really rise up tall. You can just use 6 and it will still rise but maybe not to the heights that I’ve photographed) Start beating the egg whites till they’re opaque, then add the cream of tartar, beat some more until there are soft peaks and add the 2 tablespoons of sugar dribbling into the bowl a little at a time. Beat until the egg whites are shiny and hold they’re shape. Don’t over beat and make them dry.

Now add 1/3 of the beaten egg whites to the chocolate mixture and fold them together to lighten the chocolate mixture. Then add the rest of the egg whites and fold with a spatula until nicely blended. It’s OK if there are streaks. You don’t want to over-fold so that it deflates.

Remove the mold from the refrigerator. Gently place the chocolate egg white mixture into the mold. Place it in the lower third of your oven. I also took out the oven shelf above so that the souffle´would not get caught up in the shelf when it rises. Now you can place this mold on a cookie sheet to protect it from dripping in your oven or do what I did, just go for it. Cook for about 40 minutes or until a straw or a knife inserted into the soft part comes out clean.

…and VOILA´

Now gently remove this glorious souffle from the oven, lightly sprinkle with powdered sugar and then tip-toe into the dining room to rapturous applause.

To further gild the lily, top each generous serving with sweetened whipped cream or Creme Anglaise.

Oh, and by the way, there’s one more ingredient to add to this souffle story.

Many years ago, one of my sisters was dating a charming, handsome and very intelligent man. He came from a rather elegant and patrician Hollywood family. I mean he knew his knives and forks and P’s and Q’s. He also had very definite ideas about food and wine. He had a passion for chocolate roulades and chocolate soufflés. One day he jokingly remarked that he would propose to my sister if I would make one of my special chocolate soufflés. I took him at his word and made the souffle. He loved the soufflé, he loved my sister, and they have been happily married for forty-one years.

Our family motto.

All images appearing on IF YOU CAN’T MAKE THE BEST CHOCOLATE SOUFFLÉ WITH THIS RECIPE –– BUY DOUGHNUTS are the expressed property of Sandra Sallin. All rights reserved. In other words, don’t steal it!

Amy Gurley-I have a few questions… how big is that souffle dish? How many people does it serve? Do you have a modification to cook them as mini-souffles’ in personal ramekins? Thanks!ReplyCancel

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sandra -The soufflé dish I used is 8 cups. It serves about 6-8 people.I usually serve 6 generously. You can purchase 8 individual molds and just fill them up to the top. Probably takes about 20 miuntes to cook. Just keep an eye out for them. Do place the molds on a cookie sheet in case they drip over the top.ReplyCancel

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sandra -Janine, I am obsessive and perfectionistic but not to the level of whipping my eggwhites by hand. That’s what a Kitchen Aid was created to do.ReplyCancel

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Jennifer-That is the nicest story about your sister and brother in law. How romantic. I have never made a chocolate soufflé. They’ve always intimidated me. I may brave this one because the results look so yummy. I LOVE your family motto!!ReplyCancel

Sharon Carter Twigg-Smith -Oh Sandy, what a wonderful way to start the morning! Lovely story!! xxxReplyCancel

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sandra -Thanks Sharon. Actually I think chocolate soufflé would taste great with coffee and some of your cream pored over the souffle´,ReplyCancel

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Barb Best -I LOVE this (and chocolate souffles)! This photo essay is delicious enough to eat!ReplyCancel

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sandra -Thanks Barb, I had to make two of them to perfect the recipe. It was a tough job eating them both. 🙂ReplyCancel

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Sheryl Kraft -What a wonderful gift your mother gave you in teaching you how to cook such fabulous dishes. And you, in turn, gave that gift to your sister and her husband. And now? I am so hungry and all I want is a big chocolate souffle! ReplyCancel

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sandra -Come on over Sheryl and I’ll make one for you. We can share it together with a few friends that I’ll round up.ReplyCancel

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Lisa Carnochan -That looks completely delicious. Now I wonder, how do you integrate the making and serving of this into a dinner party? It’d be fun to do for Christmas, if I could sort out the logistics.ReplyCancel

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sandra -Thanks Lisa, You can make it ahead but keep it covered with a large bowl. I’m not sure how many hours it can sit there. I would do a run through (getting off your couch) before Xmas just to make sure it all works with you. If you have a problem, call or text me. Pretty fabulous for Xmas I must say.ReplyCancel

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Helene Cohen Bludman -I LOVE this post almost as much as I love chocolate souffle. You write so winningly, Sandra, and of course your photos are top-notch. The piece de resistance is the story about your sister. Delicious!ReplyCancel

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sandra -Thanks Helene, it’s pretty nice that a long and loving marriage resulted from the little bit of air.ReplyCancel

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Estelle Sobel Erasmus-Sandra,
What an easy soufflé recipe. Now I am going to have to try it. Thanks for this; and I also love that your baking resulted in a life-long marriage.
EstelleReplyCancel

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sandra -Enjoy Estelle. It’s a lovely dessert to make. So many Oohs and ahhs.ReplyCancel

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Cathy Chester-I love this post! As a chocoholic I WOULD HAVE married you for your souffle.

In the kitchen with Jacques Pepin? I want your life.

I love this post for so many reasons, but the story of your happily married sister takes the cake (sorry, I couldn’t resist.)

I want to know where you get your pictures that are in the beginning? You always find the best ones.ReplyCancel

Randy Hyde -You keep writing my favorite post. I always think I’ve found my favorite, then you come out with a new one. Spectacular!ReplyCancel

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lisa thomson-Oh, what an amazing story and recipe to go along with. I’m not sure I’m brave enough to try it but I’m bookmarking it just in case. Your family has quite the connections! I made your mother’s famous cheesecake recipe for my stepson’s birthday. He loved it! I told the story that goes with and everyone was duly impressed. Cheers to chocolate! 🙂ReplyCancel

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sandra -Oh Lisa, so glad you enjoyed it. My mother would have been so happy.More stories to come.ReplyCancel

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Tammy-Holy Cow, Sandra, that’s a whole lot of trouble. How about I just pop on over to your house and help you eat it? Love the recipe but LOVED the story even better! I will file this in my “Do if you dare” recipe box. It’s good to have goals!ReplyCancel

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sandra -Tammy you are such a funny lady. I’d be happy to make one for you any day!ReplyCancel

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Kathy Leeds -Like you, I was a fearless chef in my 20’s, taking days to make very complex dishes for company. I’ve become lazier, and I guess, more health conscious as I’ve aged, but this souffle will be a definite go for me for over the holidays. And truly French – no flour! ReplyCancel

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sandra -We sound like twins Kathy. I’m right there with you. I used to make my own puff pastry. Was I crazy?ReplyCancel

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Kristi Campbell-I will likely never make this. Because I am well, sucky. But I so very much enjoyed this post, and the stories of your souffles and your sister and the meaning of chocolate.ReplyCancel

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sandra -Thanks Kriti, there’s no way you can be THAT sucky. Too bad you don’t live near by. I’d make one for you.ReplyCancel

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Jean-I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed this post! I am a huge fan of Dorie Greenspan and I would have just died going on that tour. Oh my goodness. Your memories of your mother cooking and how that translated to your culinary journey reminded me of something that Barbara Kingsolver wrote in Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: “Cooking is 80 percent confidence, a skill best acquired starting from when the apron strings wrap around you twice.” My best friend is an artist and I’ve begged her to create a sketch that matches that quote so I can hang it in my kitchen- next to my children’s aprons. Thank you for a delightful read this Sunday.ReplyCancel

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sandra -What an interesting comment. I was just speaking with a friend who can’t cook and hates to cook. Her mother never cooked. Her father didn’t want his wife in the kitchen. Thus a whole part of life and family is missing. I remember the first apron I bought for my granddaughter. I aso remember the utter joy when we started cooking together. I’m with you Jean.ReplyCancel

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Troy -I’d love to know what % fat of milk will work best from your experience! Thank you so much.ReplyCancel

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sandra -I use whole milk Troy. I don’t mess around with Soufflés.ReplyCancel

Linda -Such a lovely tale, it’s been ages since I made a soufflé! I think it’s time to do it!! Thank you for a wonderful story!ReplyCancel

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sandra -So glad you enjoyed. Yes, now is the perfect time to stretch your soufflé muscles again. Enjoy!ReplyCancel

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Andrea Lee -I love the stories that are attached to food! What a sweet story to end with!

It’s been years since I attempted to make a chocolate souffle. It wasn’t terrible, but it also wasn’t great. I just pinned this one and will attempt it on my husband’s birthday. Maybe I should also buy some doughnuts, just in case… 🙂ReplyCancel

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Beth Djalali -my motto is don’t trust anyone who doesn’t like chocolate! i think i need to round up some friends and host a dinner party just so i can make this dessert.
xxoo bethReplyCancel

Sammy Makesomenoise -Thank you Sandra, I love this simple recipe! I tried it tonight and it was a success! I used heavy whipping cream instead of whole milk and I only had 4 eggs, so I cut the ingredients in half(improvised…Be brave, right?!:) Whipping the egg whites by hand was a new experience…a balloon whisk would have been nice, working with what I’ve got! 2 mid-sized ramikans cut the cooking time to 20 mins. Next time I’m gonna try it with creme anglaise…thanks!!!ReplyCancel

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sandra -Good for you! Creme anglaise would be perfect! So glad this works for you.ReplyCancel

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Lillian Plummer -Love Julia Child’s comment, “never apologize”. You are a natural born cook. Your paintings are also exquisite, creativity comes from within and cannot be learnt.
Best wishes lillian xxReplyCancel

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sandra -Thank you, Lillian. So glad you’re taking the time to read some of my other posts. I do have to bite my tongue and remember to never apologize. Thank you for also taking the time to look at my paintings.ReplyCancel